Treatment of peripheral vascular disease, leg cramps and injuries using needles and electrical stimulation

ABSTRACT

A method for healing an injury of a patient using an electrical stimulator and acupuncture needles is provided. The method can include the step of positioning a plurality of acupuncture needles coupled to the electrical stimulator at specific acupuncture points. The next step includes applying a current to the acupuncture needles. The first half of the treatment, a current is applied through the needles until a stinging sensation (or pain) is felt by the patient. Halfway through the treatment, the current is increased until a stinging sensation is again felt by the patient. At least four acupuncture needles are positioned at specific acupuncture points and alternating the polarity of the needles. The method may also include the use of Auriculotherapy, electrical stimulation without needles, in conjunction with the acupuncture needles and electric stimulator. The method may also be applied to the treatment of peripheral vascular disease, due to the effect of increasing blood flow and oxygen to the vessels.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/232,065,filed Jan. 15, 1999, which was a CIP of U.S. application Ser. No.08/864,307 filed on May 28, 1997 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,861,016,the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a method of healing an injury, andmore particularly to a method of healing an injury using electricalstimulation and/or acupuncture needles.

While electrical stimulators are well known in the art, they aretypically used in conjunction with Traditional Chinese Medicinemeridians (“TCM”). TCM is an ancient procedure that uses 250 differentpoints, which are points of lesser electrical resistance on the humanbody, to cure various medical conditions. That is, acupuncture needlesare inserted at these predetermined points on TCM meridians (lines) andthen left alone for a period of time or stimulated by a variety ofmethods:

1. manually manipulating the needles;

2. heat applied to the needles (moxa—similar to a hot lighted end of acigar); and

3. an electrical current.

In addition, the Craig PENS theory and treatment is well-known in theart. The PENS method follows dermatomes, myotomes and neurotomes of thehuman body which are found in various anatomy books. Similar to TCM, theacupuncture needles are positioned at pre-defined locations on the humanbody associated with specific muscles, nerves or the like to dissipatepain. Craig PENS is used for pain treatments only—back pain; neck pain;joint pain, etc.

Accordingly, prior art methods fail to teach the use acupuncture needlesto heal an injury irrespective of the specific pressure points orChinese meridian points on the human body. To overcome this deficiency,the present invention uses acupuncture needles and positions them withspecific reference to the location of the injury.

Prior art methods also fail to teach the use of auriculotherapy on theear to facilitate treatment of peripheral vascular disease, leg crampingor wounds. Auriculotherapy is performed by using either electricalstimulation or needles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, a method forhealing a injury of a patient using electrical stimulation and/orneedles are provided. The method includes the step of positioning aplurality of acupuncture needles at specific acupuncture points. Themethod also includes allowing the natural electric current present inthe needles to pass a current through the acupuncture needles. At leastfour acupuncture needles can be positioned at specific acupuncturepoints. In an embodiment of the invention, the use of needles atacupuncture points or Auriculotherapy on the ear alone and/or incombination with surrounding an injured area with acupuncture needlescoupled to electric stimulation are employed to treat peripheralvascular disease, leg cramps (claudicia pain) and leg wounds.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improvedmethod of healing injuries using electrical stimulation and/oracupuncture needles.

Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part beobvious and will in part be apparent from the specification.

The invention accordingly comprises the several steps and the relationof one or more of such steps with respect to each of the others thereof,which will be exemplified in the method hereinafter disclosed, and thescope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is had to thefollowing description taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus used to heal an injury inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus used to heal peripheralvascular disease, leg cramping or an injury in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram apparatus used to heal peripheral vasculardisease, leg cramping or an injury in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram apparatus used to heal peripheral vasculardisease, leg cramping or an injury in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A schematic diagram of an apparatus used to heal an injury usingelectrical stimulation is shown generally in FIG. 1. An injury 10 issubstantially surrounded by acupuncture needles 12, 14, 16 and 18. Whilefour acupuncture needles are used, any combination of needles may beused and preferably in the range of 4-8 so long as it properly encirclesthe injury. Needles of different polarity reside in proximity of oneanother so that, for example, two positive or two negative needles arenot adjacent. Preferably, needles 12, 14, 16 and 18 are approximatelytwo inches from one another and are positioned approximately ½ to twoinches from injury 10. In a second embodiment of the invention, as shownin FIG. 2, needles 22, 24, 26 and 28 can be placed on the leg, on thehip or on specific acupuncture points.

Needles 12, 14, 16 and 18 are connected to an electrical acupuncturestimulator 20. Electrical acupuncture stimulators 20 are well known inthe art. For example, Electrotherapeutic Devices, Inc. of MarkhamOntario, Canada sells a Multiple Electronic Acupunctoscope Model G6805and Ito Co., Ltd. of Japan sells an Electropuncture IC1107 model.Electrical stimulator 20 is designed for clinical use and transmitspulsating currents of different intensities and frequencies through theacupuncture needles to the human body.

Electrical stimulator 20 is coupled to needles 12, 14, 16 and 18alternating between the positive and negative leads so that a positiveneedle does not reside immediate adjacent to a negative needle and viceversa. Traditional acupuncture lines such as traditional Chinesemeridians may also be used as described in the second embodiment of theinvention. As set forth above, the needle placement may be based solelyon the size of the injury and the positioning of the various needleswith respect to one another or the needles may be placed on the leg, hipor specific acupuncture points.

To treat peripheral vascular disease or an injury, electrical stimulator20 is turned on and the frequency of the current is increased until theneedles sting or begin to hurt the patient. At this point the frequencyis held constant. A two to four hertz frequency is preferably used toapply the current. The size of the current depends on the frequency ofthe electrical stimulator being used, which is preferably in the rangeof 1 Hz to 25 Hz. Any frequency in the range of preferably one totwenty-five Hz may be used depending on the individual, the size of theinjury and other such issues.

Halfway through the treatment, which generally lasts 20 to 30 minutes,the frequency of the current is again increased until it starts to stingor begins to hurt the patient and at this point the frequency is heldconstant. The above method should be repeated 3-5 times a week.Treatments are preferably continued until the peripheral vasculardisease is cleared, the leg pain subsides, or injury healing is completeor almost complete in smaller injuries or until in bigger injuries theinjury bed has enough granulation tissue (growth of blood vessels)covering the injury so a skin graft can be done. After the skin graft isdone, acupuncture treatments may be continued for 1-2 weeks to increasegraft survival.

It has been determined that peripheral vascular disease can cause areduction in blood flow, and thus oxygen and nutrients to the vessels.Peripheral vascular disease can in turn cause leg cramping and/orinhibit injuries from healing.

Based on the application of the current to the blood vessels in thevicinity of the injury, the blood flow is likely to be increased to thevessels or to the injury, thereby decreasing the healing time. Byincreasing the blood flow in and around the area of the injury, moreoxygen and body nutrients can get to the injury, thereby allowing theinjury to heal much quicker. This can also change non-healing injuriesto healing injuries. Increasing the blood flow in a leg suffering fromleg cramps makes it possible for more oxygen and body nutrients to getto the blood vessels thereby alleviating leg cramping.

In a second embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 2, at leastfour acupuncture needles are placed on the hip, leg 41 or in specificacupuncture locations. If treating a leg injury or an ulcer, peripheralvascular disease or leg cramping, four needles can be positioned at forexample, Stomach 30, Stomach 34, Spleen 8 and Kidney 9. As describedabove, this can increase blood flow to the vessels, thus treatingperipheral vascular disease, leg cramping and can speed healing of a legwound.

In a third preferred embodiment of the invention, the use ofAuriculotherapy, which uses electric stimuli without the use of needles,can be used to treat peripheral vascular disease, leg cramps orinjuries. As similarly described above, the use of electricalstimulation generally increases blood flow and oxygen to the vessels. Asshown in FIG. 3, the use of Auriculotherapy is applied to the ear on theside of the affected limb. (e.g. right leg, right ear). AnAuriculotherapy device 33 can be applied to known points in or on theear which can stimulate another region of the body. For example, whentreating a leg injury, a red dot will commonly appear in a patient's ear32, corresponding to the affected leg. Auriculotherapy can be used tostimulate points as described in Auriculotherapy Manual, Chinese andWestern Systems of Ear Acupuncture, Perry Olson, PhD (2d ed. 1996).Auriculotherapy stimulation can be applied to a red dot or red streakwhich often represents the site of the injury on the affected limb, inorder to help stimulate blood flow to the affected area and thusfacilitate healing. Additionally, TCM medicine can be used to facilitatehealing of the injury in the following fashion. Phase One, Phase Two andPhase Three Lung Points in the ear can be used to facilitate healing ofthe skin of the wound. Phase One, Phase Two and Phase Three SpleenPoints can be used to facilitate healing the tissue under the skin. If atendon is involved in the wound, Phase One and Phase Two of the LiverPoints can be used to facilitate healing of the tendons.

In a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention, a combination of thefirst or second embodiment with the third embodiment, four points ofstimuli can be used in conjunction with Auriculotherapy on the ear. Iftreating a leg injury or an ulcer, peripheral vascular disease or legcramping, four needles can be positioned at for example, Stomach 30,Stomach 34, Spleen 8 and Kidney 9. Then, Auriculotherapy, which usesonly electric stimulation without needles, can be applied to the ear ofwhichever leg is involved (e.g. right leg, right ear). As described inconnection with the other embodiments, the application of this treatmentmethod should increase the flow of blood, bringing more oxygen to thevessels, thus increasing the rate of injury healing. Auriculotherapy inthe ear can stimulate dispersion when applied at 10 Hz over a period ofapproximately 24 seconds or more and from 10 to 40 microamps.

In a fifth preferred embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 4, a combination ofthe first and second preferred embodiments, Electrical stimulator 20′ iscoupled to needles 12′, 14′, 16′ and 18′. Needles 12′, 14′, 16′ and 18′are positioned substantially around the injury 10′. Needles 22′, 24′,26′ and 28′ are positioned at points on the leg, hip or specificacupuncture points. The combination of different needles providingelectric stimuli can increase blood flow increasing the rate of healingof the injury.

In a sixth preferred embodiment, the third and fourth embodiments arecombined in treating an injury. Electrical stimulator 20′ is coupled toneedles 12′, 14′, 16′ and 18′. Needles 12′, 14′, 16′ and 18′ arepositioned substantially around the injury. Needles 22′, 24′, 26′ and28′ are positioned at points on the leg, hip or specific acupuncturepoints. Auriculotherapy are applied to the ear of the affected limb. Thecombination of different electric stimuli can increase blood flowincreasing the rate of healing of the injury.

EXAMPLE

An individual sustained an insect bite on the lower left leg. The injuryappeared as a two centimeter, red, raised area with a fluid-centerapproximately one centimeter in size. After three days, it was openedand drained. Thereafter, the red area enlarged to five centimeters insize and the pain increased at the injury site and spread to cover theleg area from the knee down to the ankle. The injury was treated withnormal saline rinse and clean dry dressing twice a day. The necroticcenter gradually enlarged. Five days after the initial bite, the patientstarted taking Augmentin and Dapsone orally prescribed by a physician.Three days thereafter the pain was increasing and was interfering withwalking.

Seven days from the original bite, another doctor initiated an IVVancomycin for twelve days with whirlpool and debridement by physicaltherapy. Three days later, celulitis set in and the patient wasrestarted on IV Vancomycin for five days. More than a month later, whilethe celulitis and infection cleared up, the injury remained open with nofurther healing. Shortly thereafter, the ulcer (injury) was two to threemillimeters deep and the diameter was approximately 2½ to 3 centimeters.The patient had indicated that there had been no change in the size ofthe ulcer for more than three weeks.

As a result, the method of the first embodiment of the invention,described above, was employed in which four needles 12, 14, 16 and 18were placed around the injury, with alternating polarity separating eachneedle. The needles were spaced two inches apart from one another andwere positioned ½ to 2 inches away from the injury. Electricalstimulator 20 was activated using a frequency of 4 hertz. A current wasapplied until a stinging pain was felt by the patient. Halfway throughthe treatment, approximately ten minutes into the treatment, the currentwas increased until a stinging pain was again felt by the patient. Thisprocess lasted approximately 20 minutes in total. As a result of theapplication, the cyanotic (blue) rim around the injury became pink and12 hours after the first acupuncture treatment 95% of the paindisappeared.

By the fourth treatment which occurred seven days after the originaltreatment, the ulcer diameter had decreased by two millimeters and theentire base of the injury (ulcer) had filled in with granulation tissue.In another 5 days, a scab formed over the injury and in another 5 daysthe scab fell off—the injury (ulcer) completely healed 17 days from thefirst acupuncture treatment. Based on the application of the methoddescribed above, the treatment destroyed the toxin from the bite andbroke up the Vasospasm (constricted blood vessel) on the rim of theulcer, thus allowing the ulcer to heal.

The same method may be used as described above, for non-healing skinulcers, diabetic non-healing skin ulcers and peripheral vascular diseasenon-healing skin ulcers and or any skin injury not healing due todecreased blood flow in the area of the injury.

The method of treating an injury using needles and electricalstimulation described as taught in connection with either the second orfifth may also be used in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease.The use of needles and electric stimulation increases blood flow andbrings more oxygen to the vessels.

The method of treating an injury using needles and electricalstimulation may also be used in conjunction with Auriculotherapy appliedto the ear described as in connection with the third, fourth or sixthembodiments. When treating a leg injury or an ulcer, four needles can bepositioned at for example the following known acupuncture points,Stomach 30, Stomach 34, Spleen 8 and Kidney 9. The needle positioned atStomach 30 should be located two cuns lateral to the superior border ofthe pubic bone. The needle positioned at Stomach 34 should be positionedin a depression, two cuns proximal to the lateral superior border of thepatella. The needle positioned at Spleen 8 should be on the medial sideof the tibia, three cuns below the tibial plateau. The needle positionedat Kidney 8 should be on the medial side of the tibia, two cuns aboveKidney 3 and one cun medial to Kidney 7. Then, Auriculotherapy, whichuses only electric stimulation without needles, can be applied to theear of whichever leg is involved (e.g. right leg, right ear). Theapplication of this treatment method generally increases the flow ofblood, bringing more oxygen to the vessels, thus increasing the rate ofinjury healing.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those madeapparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and,since certain changes may be made in carrying out the above methodwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it isintended that all matter contained in the above description shall beinterpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended tocover all of the generic and specific features of the invention hereindescribed and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as amatter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of healing an injury of a patient usingan electrical stimulator, comprising the steps of: positioning aplurality of acupuncture needles at specific acupuncture points;positioning a plurality of a second set of acupuncture needlessubstantially around the injury the second set of acupuncture needlescoupled to the electrical stimulator; applying a current through thesecond set of acupuncture needles; and applying Auriculotherapy to theear.
 2. The method of claim 1, further including the step of increasingthe current through the second set of acupuncture needles to the injuryuntil a stinging sensation is felt by the patient.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein at least four acupuncture needles are positioned atspecific acupuncture points.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein theacupuncture points include one or more of Stomach 30, Stomach 34, Spleen8 and Kidney 8.